by Amy Ford, Co-Founder and President of Embrace Grace

Did you know that when a sperm meets an egg, sparks fly? Literally! (I actually didn’t know about this until Jor-El Godsey, President of Heartbeat International, told me this past January!)

In 2016, researchers at Northwestern University in Chicago captured the miraculous moment that a sperm fertilizes an egg at the microscopic level. An explosion of zinc fireworks occurs when a human egg is activated by a sperm enzyme. Scientists say the spark's intensity indicates the egg's potential to develop into a healthy embryo.¹

Their discovery was nothing short of a breathtaking display of our Creator’s hand at work! 

We are a miracle! And we carry the Miracle-Maker inside of us everywhere we go: Jesus. 

Every year I ask God to download a focus for the year. Something to learn more about and set my heart on throughout the year. My word for this year is "spark."

Mark 5:21-34 describes the story of the woman with the issue of blood. She struggled for 12 years and spent all her money going from doctor to doctor. She was completely broke and the doctors could not help. She was depressed and had lost all hope...that is until she heard about someone named Jesus. When she heard about Him, she had just a spark of hope. That hope grew her faith to the size of a mustard seed. That spark gave her the courage to go find Jesus and reach for Him. 

I wonder how she heard. Did she hear the chatter of all the people surrounding Jesus in the town? Was she able to hear about His miracles before He even arrived or was that day the first time she had heard of Him? (She was likely treated as unclean by the community due to her condition and Levitical law at the time.) We don't know how she heard about Jesus, but when she did, she had a spark of hope!

The world desperately needs hope right now. Some men and women carry heavy burdens, have to make hard decisions and feel completely alone. There are women just finding out they are pregnant and are scared of their future with nowhere to turn; thinking about whether they feel the need to end the life of their child out of overwhelming hopelessness. But together we can light the world with hope.

If we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, encouraging and speaking life into those around us, we have the potential to spark hope and inspire people to find Jesus and reach out to Him!

I read recently that the average person impacts around 10,000 people in their lifetime! That’s a lot of people! Are we influencing them in a good way or a bad way? Are we pointing them to Jesus? We all have a responsibility to carry the light inside of us and to shine. Being a spark isn’t just for pastors or leaders or just "other people" when the same Holy Spirit lives in all of us. We all have a responsibility to spark a flame that lights up the world! 

For those of you who need a little encouragement to step out of your comfort zone and spark those around you, just jump in! It’s such a fun adventure! We don’t have to just be spectators of the faith, but we can run the race God has for us and bring others along with us! 

Ways You Can Be a Spark: 

• Encourage those around you—even strangers
• Pay for someone’s groceries
• Leave an encouraging note for someone
• Reach out to an old friend
• Invite your client to a local church with an Embrace Grace group

There are unlimited ways we can be a spark of hope in the world! Let’s link arms in the Kingdom—not just be spectators of faith but doers of God’s Word! Every conversation we have, every interaction we experience, and everywhere we go to love with intention, can have a ripple effect of changing lives, legacies, and the world. Whether you’re a man or woman, introvert or extrovert, young or old, we all can be the spark that gives people hope. We have the power to inspire a spark in the hearts of those around us so that a flame is ignited around the world for Jesus!

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1. https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2016-04-26/human-eggs-emit-zinc-sparks-at-moment-of-fertilization

Option Line: Find 24/7 Pregnancy Help
Bilingual pregnancy help, plus real-time connections to nurses for telehealth consultations and to Heartbeat’s 3,500+ pregnancy help organizations worldwide.
Use the zip code locator at OptionLine.org to identify local pregnancy help locations.

Maternity Housing Coalition
Find housing availability nationwide for women. Plus, stay up-to-date on the 40+ new maternity housing programs launching in the coming year through the Heartbeat network. 

Prenatal Diagnosis
Help families experiencing pressure to abort following an adverse prenatal diagnosis find life-affirming medical help 24/7 and personal support through local parent care coordinators.

Abortion Pill Rescue® Network
Direct those considering or who regret starting a chemical abortion to immediate medical help for Abortion Pill Reversal worldwide.

PregnancyHelpNews.com
Follow the latest news of global pregnancy help and stories of hope.

PregnancyHelpPodcast.com
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To stay connected with the life-affirming pregnancy help community, follow Heartbeat International on:

   

by Valerie Harkins, Director of the Maternity Housing Coalition of Heartbeat International

Maternity homes serve as powerful environments not only for the physical well-being of pregnant women but also for the intricate development of their unborn children's brains. Neuroplasticity, the brain's capability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, provides a fascinating lens through which to view the transformative potential of maternity homes. These homes offer residents a unique opportunity to catalyze neurodevelopment in both themselves and their children in utero through fostering new behaviors and skills.

In the realm of neuroscience, where the brain's adaptability is a cornerstone principle, maternity homes stand as beacons of hope and change. The residents, often facing challenging circumstances, are given a supportive and nurturing environment to cultivate new coping mechanisms, communication styles, and interpersonal skills. The significance of this goes beyond mere behavior change; it delves deep into the realm of brain restructuring. As residents practice these new behaviors consistently within the safe confines of the maternity home, they are actively carving out new neural pathways in their brains.

These newly formed neural connections are not transient but rather have the potential to become permanent fixtures in their cognitive architecture. By repeatedly engaging in positive behaviors, residents solidify these pathways, laying the foundation for lasting change. This process is particularly vital during pregnancy, as research suggests that a mother's emotional state can influence the development of her child's brain even before birth. Therefore, the benefits of cultivating a positive mental and emotional environment within maternity homes extend not only to the residents themselves but also to the neurological well-being of their unborn children.

The vision for residents of maternity homes should not be confined to their current circumstances but should encompass a future brimming with possibilities.

Envisioning these women as healthy, strong, sober, safe, and thriving individuals is not just wishful thinking but a scientifically grounded expectation.

The power of neuroplasticity equips individuals with the capacity to fundamentally alter their brain's structure and function, leading to profound and enduring transformations in behavior and cognition.

For maternity home workers who may at times feel disheartened or overwhelmed by the challenges their residents face, understanding the neuroscientific underpinnings of their work can provide a renewed sense of purpose and hope. Every interaction, every intervention, and every moment of support offered within the walls of a maternity home has the potential to spark a cascade of neurobiological changes in the lives of its inhabitants.

May we all take heart, that maternity homes play a pivotal role not just in providing shelter and support but in fostering neurodevelopment and promoting true lasting change. By recognizing the profound impact of neuroplasticity on behavior and cognition, we can appreciate the immense potential inherent in every resident who walks through the doors of a maternity home. Let us view these individuals not through the lens of their past struggles but through the lens of limitless possibilities for growth, resilience, and transformation.

A Reflection on the Movement

by Jor-El Godsey, President of Heartbeat International

As we reflect on the history of the pregnancy help movement, we are reminded of the countless individuals who have paved the way for us. From the Hebrew midwives of ancient times to the modern pioneers who established the first pregnancy help centers in the 1960s, our movement has always been defined by resilience, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to defending life. Over the past five decades, we have seen incredible advancements in technology and medicine, allowing us to provide even more comprehensive care to women in need. From the introduction of ultrasound technology to the development of innovative telecare and telehealth solutions, we have continuously adapted our methods to meet the evolving needs of women facing unexpected pregnancies.

Looking Back

As the President of Heartbeat International, I have witnessed firsthand the incredible impact of our movement in providing vital care and support to women facing unexpected pregnancies. For decades, our network of pregnancy help centers has been a beacon of hope — offering compassion, resources, and a lifeline to those in need. Together, we have saved countless lives and empowered women to choose life for themselves and their babies.

Looking Forward

However, as we look to the future, we must acknowledge the changing landscape and the new challenges that lie ahead. The abortion industry is evolving, becoming increasingly aggressive in its pursuit of profit at the expense of women’s health and well-being. With the rise of chemical abortion and the expansion of online distribution channels, the stakes have never been higher. Now more than ever, we need to adapt and innovate to meet the needs of women in crisis. We cannot afford to rest on our laurels or be complacent in the face of these challenges. Instead, we must Move the Movement forward, embracing new technologies and strategies to reach women wherever they are and whenever they need us most. A new, digital reach can help to strengthen our resources, and equip pregnancy help centers to meet the changing needs of women in crisis.

We must invest in cutting-edge technologies like telecare and telehealth, allowing us to provide immediate support and care to women facing urgent decisions. We can train and empower a new generation of virtual missionaries, reaching women in their time of need with compassion and understanding.

In standing together, we will advocate for policies and legislation that protect the sanctity of life and uphold the rights of women to ensure that every woman has access to the support and resources she needs to choose life for herself and her baby.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to women as we Move the Movement forward and build a future where every life is valued and cherished. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can bring hope to those in need. Together, we can Move the Movement.

Another key reason we must Move the Movement? The battle is getting more intense. Right now, a coalition of 17 states’ AG offices has vowed to...

1.) Expand abortion access; and
2.) Increase regulation of pregnancy help organizations.

Pro-abortion Attorneys General in California and New York are targeting both Heartbeat International and our network of care, suing to silence us from sharing the truth about Abortion Pill Reversal and the more than 5,000 lives that have been saved through this life-saving protocol.

Telecare

Resources

Coming soon!

by Jor-El Godsey, President of Heartbeat International

Yes, I know that Disney has veered from the wholesome family framework that made for such successes as Swiss Family Robinson, The Incredibles, and Pinocchio’s Geppetto. Indeed, much of their live-action material can hardly find even a single father figure worth emulating.

But there is one example that arises from the Star Wars universe.

The massive hit, The Mandalorian (especially season one), burst on the scene in 2019 with a new face, err, helmet, with Pedro Pascal as Din Djarin, the title role. (Note: For the six of you who haven’t heard of the story at all, there are slight spoilers ahead.) The Mandalorian is a bounty hunter, a profession not known for its genteel manners and soft people skills.

The storyline finds the Mandalorian on a bounty hunt for a particular creature whom the world soon knows only as “Baby Yoda.” (If I need to explain who Yoda is, you should just stop reading now and watch and come back after you watched Star Wars movies 5, 6, 1, 2, and 3, in that order.)

The cuteness factor of baby Yoda captures hearts of all kinds, including that of the grizzled bounty hunter, Din Djarin, the Mandalorian. For the entirety of the first two seasons of The Mandalorian, Grogu is referred to as “the child.” Masterfully rendered through puppetry and computer graphics imagery (CGI) the character evokes powerful aspects of a child. We only learn, later, that baby Yoda is named Grogu.

What follows is the Mandalorian’s transformation from bounty hunter to an unexpected father figure for Grogu, a.k.a. baby Yoda. This includes integrating into the clan-like culture of Mandalore. “You are a clan of two” the Armorer of the warrior race declares.

Just like some of the dads we encounter in our pregnancy help outreach, the Mandalorian is called to take up a mantle he did not plan on. He’s uncomfortable and even clumsy in how he steps into the role. But soon the call to protect and provide is stronger than what even his own culture has taught him. “Wherever I go, he goes,” says Din Djarin casting aside the lone wolf nature of his bounty hunter persona.

Dads are called to be providers and protectors of their children. Father’s Day is a time to celebrate that call and the efforts all fathers make toward that high and lofty aspiration. Some do so better than others. All dads pale in comparison to the unconditional love of our Father in Heaven (Jeremiah 31:3).

Of course, dads are not just those who contribute to the genetics of a baby. They are those who take up the mantle of being involved in the life of a child. Along with being a birth father and everyday dad from that moment, fathers arise through adoption or even mentorship. Fatherhood happens in traditional and blended families. Living under the same roof or actively engaged at a distance.

Men demonstrate fatherhood with intentional activities and exemplary actions. In that way, the Mandalorian demonstrated fathering for the "child.” Our Father in Heaven surely inspired the catchphrase for the show, “This is the way.”

by Ellen Foell, International Program Specialist

We all know that the world is ablaze with debate and fury on the issue of abortion. Unfortunately, that blaze is also occurring in the highest halls of government. And, nowhere is that more apparent than in the European Union, its Parliament, and its Court. On the one hand, the European Parliament voted in a directive that surrogacy can be a form of reproductive exploitation and human trafficking. That is great news.

On the other hand, the EU Parliament also recently voted in favor of including access to abortion as a fundamental right in the EU's Charter of Fundamental Rights. From the podium, hard-left French MEP Manon Aubry attacked what she called "reactionaries" on the right to vote against the measure, stating, "No, the right to abortion is not a controversial issue. It is a fundamental freedom. No, the right to abortion does not kill. On the contrary, it saves lives. And while you are quietly attacking it here in the European Parliament, [women] can count on us. We'll be with you all the way."

Fortunately, that vote is largely symbolic. The resolution is non-binding, and a full-fledged right to abortion access would require the backing of all 27 member states to be included in the EU's charter. But symbols have meaning. We need to be aware of our times and interpret them rightly.

Upcoming Summit

At the upcoming European Pregnancy Help Leaders Summit, Heartbeat is pleased to welcome attorney Guillermo A. Morales Sancho, Legal Counsel with ADF International, based in Vienna, Austria. He will draw upon his experience to discuss the most recent resolutions from the EU Parliament and their potential impact on pregnancy help centers in Europe. (Of course, we will also host speakers on fundraising, client services and center management.)

Soon, you can sign up to attend the EPHL Summit in Budapest, Hungary, on September 19-21,2024. Registration will open June 1, 2024. The registration is free for affiliates. If you need to affiliate, or re-affiliate, you can affiliate here  for $70.00USD. If you are not affiliated, the cost for registration and meals is $195.00 USD per person.

About Attorney Guillermo A. Morales Sancho

Guillermo A. Morales Sancho, PhD, serves as legal counsel, Europe, for ADF International in Vienna, Austria. He is a lawyer specializing in constitutional and human rights law and conducts legal advocacy in Europe to promote and protect parental rights, free speech, children’s right to life, as well as freedom of conscience and religion.¹

Your Role In Adversity

Awareness of the times in which we live can be the starting point at which we are reminded of these core truths:

- Unity: Discover why unity matters at such a time as this. This movement is bigger than any one of us. We must work together and stand strong against those who work so hard to break us apart.

- Peace: Remember your source of peace.

- Commitment and intentionality: At the core, this is a daily practice to remain committed to the mission and intentional in what you do.

Adversity is an opportunity we can seize to deepen our faith. The political endeavors to enshrine abortion into law around the world should propel us to remember our mission, unite in prayer and intercession (just as Paul and Silas chose to pray in their darkest moments), and focus vertically, keeping our eyes fixed on the Lord.

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1. More information can be found here: https://adfinternational.org/our-team/guillermo-a-morales-sancho

by Ellen Foell, International Program Specialist

And, that’s a wrap for Heartbeat International’s 2024 conference, held in Salt Lake City, Utah from April 23-26. What a conference it was! It was our most well-attended conference yet, with over 2,000 persons attending in person and virtually (and counting, as our virtual conference continues). We had 14 nations represented and 48 internationals attended. If you were not able to attend, we missed you and hope you will consider attending next year’s conference.* 

Fortunately, even though the Heartbeat staff and attendees are all back in their seats at life-affirming organizations across the globe, the thematic call, United for Life, continues. In case you were not able to attend either the in-person or virtual conference, our key verse was Philippians 2:2, "...then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose." We recently published an issue of Heartbeat Around the World on the call and need for unity. However, as we know, God’s word is timeless and ever-fresh. At this conference, it really struck me afresh that we are called to unity in many aspects.

We are called to be united in our...

• minds
• hearts
• spirits
• souls—including the outward expression of our purpose

Unity is an intentional, wholehearted, and whole-life effort to love our God, our neighbors, our clients, and our fellow life-affirming co-laborers with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength.

Sometimes, we can focus so much on the mission that we forget that love is at the very heart of our mission, and without love, our mission may very well sound like a clanging cymbal. Let us have the same love. Or, we can hyperfocus on the specific aspect of the life-affirming movement that we think our hyperfocus should be everyone’s hyperfocus. The life-affirming movement is multifaceted, and each of us is called to know our specific calling and our place on the "wall." As we pursue like-mindedness, the same love, unity in spirit and purpose, we will see God’s purposes and His glory cover the earth, as the waters cover the sea.

Speaking of God’s glory, take a look at this video of the Parade of Nations, as Heartbeat’s 97 affiliated nations’ flags were on display for God’s splendor.

*If you think you might be interested in attending next year’s conference and require a VISA to attend, do not wait until next year to get your VISA appointment. Heartbeat can send you an invitation to next year’s conference that you can take to your interview. As always, the letter is not a promise by Heartbeat to pay for expenses of registration, accommodations, or travel. It is to be used only for purposes of the VISA interview.

by Brooke Myrick BSN, RN, LAS, Healthcare Team Manager

Year after year nursing is named one of our nation's most trusted professions. What qualifies a nurse as trustworthy? A nurse is committed to putting others before themselves to provide the best care for those under their supervision. While nursing is a career developed to provide care to the ill and injured, during pregnancy help, it is vastly more. It is a call to a mission.

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” Isaiah 61:1

As a nurse in pregnancy help, you have accepted the call to proclaim the good news to those in need, and to proclaim freedom to those who feel they are in dire situations pleading for a way out. Through the name of Jesus, many women and men are released from a darkness that has held them captive. Many will choose life for their baby after meeting with you, a pregnancy help nurse. Those who undergo the devastation and heartache of a pregnancy loss will return to you for healing resources, comfort and support. At times those who have made an abortion decision will also turn to you when they begin to grieve and start the journey of seeking forgiveness and recovery.

The pregnancy help nurse is trusted by those she cares for as she provides unwavering love, care and support.

This mission is not always easy. It requires daily commitment and renewal.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

This mission requires bravery and courage each and every day because it involves a battle for life today and for eternity. To continue in your role as a pregnancy help nurse, the mission must be fully understood and accepted. The mission is to remain faithful and obedient in sharing medical and spiritual truths in love while simultaneously, fully letting go and trusting God with the results and outcomes. A total dependence on the Author and Giver of life is required.

“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” I John 4:4

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, and participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:1-4

With each client encounter, nurses in pregnancy help make an active choice to—in humility—count those they are serving as more significant than themselves. You welcome her without judgment. You listen to her story. You give your time and energy. You earn her trust. You offer medical and spiritual truths in love. You seek to meet her needs through your organization and community resources. You offer prayer. You share the good news of Jesus.

As you accept the pregnancy help nurse mission every day, you make a difference today and for generations to come.

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer o' mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. Am I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:3-6

by Andrea Trudden, Vice President of Communications and Marketing

As we celebrate National Nurses Week, it's time to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes working tirelessly in pregnancy help organizations across the globe. These nurses, driven by a deep sense of compassion and guided by a Biblical worldview, stand as beacons of love and care, offering invaluable support to women and families in need.

Heartbeat International proudly celebrates these nurses during National Nurses Week, May 6 to May 12, and throughout the month. This year's theme, "Nurses Make the Difference," resonates profoundly with the extraordinary contributions these nurses make every day.

In pregnancy help organizations, nurses play a pivotal role in providing vital healthcare services while fostering an environment of empathy and understanding. They serve as pillars of strength for women facing unplanned pregnancies, offering not only medical assistance but also emotional support and guidance through challenging times.

At the heart of their work lies a deep commitment to the sanctity of life. These nurses recognize the inherent value of every human being, including the precious life growing within each expectant mother. With unwavering dedication, they advocate for life-affirming choices and empower women to embrace the miraculous journey of motherhood.

What sets them apart is their holistic approach to care. Beyond addressing medical needs, they take the time to listen, comfort, and affirm the dignity of every individual they encounter. Through their compassionate presence, these nurses instill hope and confidence in women who may feel overwhelmed or uncertain about the future.

Moreover, these nurses are not just healthcare providers; they are mentors and guides, sharing their wisdom and expertise with kindness. By imparting a Biblical worldview rooted in love and compassion, they illuminate a path of grace and redemption for those they serve.

This impact extends far beyond the walls of the pregnancy help organization, reaching into the hearts and homes of countless families. Through selfless dedication, they sow seeds of hope and healing, nurturing a culture of life and love within their communities.

As we express our gratitude to these remarkable nurses during National Nurses Week, let us also remember the profound difference they make in the lives of others. Their acts of kindness, words of encouragement, and commitment to life are testaments to the power of love in action.

To all the nurses in pregnancy help organizations, we thank you for your boundless compassion, tireless dedication, and unwavering commitment to the sanctity of life. You are true champions of love, and your work inspires us all to embrace the miracle of life with open arms and open hearts.

As we celebrate National Nurses Week, let us draw inspiration from the words of Galatians 6:9, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Thank you, nurses, for embodying this spirit of perseverance and love every day.